City Council Reduces Speed Limits

     In their regular monthly meeting on August 21, 2003, the Cotter City Council voted to reduce speed limits from 35 to 25 mph on Cotter city streets (except where otherwise posted). These would not include state or county roadways such as Hwy 62B, Hwy 345, or CR 1. Signs will be posted on entry ways into Cotter. The Council also implemented a policy for law enforcement practices to further ensure that Cotter Police Department provides law enforcement services that are unbiased and equitable.
     In other matters the Council heard from the owner of a local car wash who voiced concerns with calculation of water rates within Cotter. Reviews will be made of the concerns and adjustments will be made as necessary. Another citizen addressed problems with city ownership of property on both sides of his house, presently for sale.  He thinks that city ownership is a possible impediment to sale of the home. The Mayor and Council expressed a willingness to consider sale of all or part of the property, which encompasses a total of seven Cotter lots. 
     The Council voted to adjust the present waterline replacement funding by changing the monthly transfer of $2K from the general fund to $1K (subject to further review).
     The Council heard good news reported by Alderman Keith Simmons that the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department was planning to clean out the north side of ditches on the hill on Harding Ave. later this year.
     Alderman “Mo” Mosley reported the wastewater treatment plant could be completed by mid- October.
     Alderman Peggy Dunn suggested that a review of the office automated system be made to improve efficiencies. The Mayor and Council agreed.
     Alderman Chuck Flowers drew objection from other Council members to his prepared remarks addressing improvements needed in the relationship between the Council, Mayor and citizens. Flowers suggested the Council be less focused on management of individual city employees and more involved with infrastructure needs of the City. He strongly recommended that the Mayor have the final say in most individual matters and all parties work more effectively together. Other aldermen disagreed with Flowers conclusions.
     Alderman Bob Nordel (Ward 3) attended his last meeting. He is moving out of the area. He praised the individuals involved on the council and the recent planning process that has been initiated. He expressed sorrow that he would not be here to see the fruits of their labor. Anyone from Ward 3 who would be interested in replacing Alderman Nordel should contact Mayor Bill Jennings at City Hall before the next City Council Meeting on September 25, 2003.

Mayor’s Minute

    September is here and my favorite time of the year is fast approaching. Fall brings cool nights, warm days, and beautiful colored foliage every where. Of course, we pay for the beauty by having to get rid of all the leaves that recently were so colorful but quickly turn into brown clutter of our yards. The most common way of disposing of them is to rake them into the ditch at the edge of the street and burn them. Providing that the weather allows safe burning, this is acceptable. The problem is that seldom do all the little twigs and branches burn completely. The first rains wash them into the culvert where they turn sideways and hang up, blocking the floating leaves and debris and soon the culvert is blocked, and the storm water is running where it should not be. Alderman Chuck Flowers and Ronnie Smith are working on a plan to improve the storm water drainage all over town. We all can help by keeping the ditches on our property free of things that can float into the culverts, hang up and cause a problem.
     There is a petition at City Hall in support of minimum flow on our beautiful White River. Everyone is invited to come by and support this important measure.
     The Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department is planning to clean the ditches along Harding Boulevard  in the next 60 days. Then we are going to replace the damaged culverts to improve the flow of storm water. Hopefully, this will keep more  water on the north side of Harding, and reduce the amount running down through town.
     A group of dedicated, hard working people known as “2025 Progress” need your help with the master plan for the future of Cotter. They gather every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. in City Hall. Your ideas and input are very important to the success of this project. Please come as often as you can and help this informal group of your neighbors plan Cotter of the future.
     The September City Council meeting is scheduled for September 25th, one week after our regular meeting date.
     The fall large item trash pickup will be held Monday, September 22^nd. The same rules apply; no tires, paint or appliances with freon. Refrigerators and air conditioners must have tags showing the name of the company that removed the freon in an approved manner. It would be best to put out your things the night before, because you must have them out before 8 a.m. on pick-up day.
     It is getting difficult to get rid of old tires. However, The Baxter County Solid Waste Committee has arranged to allow each household to take up to four tires to Muffler World on Highway 62B and Wade Street in Mountain Home.
     I’ll look for you at the fall festival.

Fourth Annual Fall Festival Schedule